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When we deem interior design as “iconic,” what are we really saying about it? We often throw the word around when it comes to describing something that is a representation of an element already in existence, but what are the characteristics of iconic spaces that leave such a lasting impression on society and culture? In the ever-evolving world of interior design, where styles and trends are constantly morphing, or becoming obsolete and then resurfacing again decades later, how does a designer create something that remains relevant and stands the test of time? – Read More –

As we find ourselves at the start of a new year, amidst a cloud of well-intentioned New Year’s Resolutions and new gym memberships, we find ourselves searching for that certain defining goal that will pave the rest of the year for us. In the interior design world, these “goals” are often triggered by expert trend forecasts. Designers consult color trend forecasts by Pantone to see what the Color of the Year will be for integration into current and upcoming projects. They attend trade shows to see what prints are making their way up to the top of the textile piles. Sometimes, interior design trends aren’t tangible elements, but are behavioral patterns that emerge and reshape the status quo. – Read More –

Everywhere you go, people are doing it. People do it at home and at the workplace constantly. You’ll find people doing it while waiting for the bus or at restaurants while eating. We see others do it so often, we don’t bat an eyelash. It’s the one activity practically everyone participates in and we all learn to do it before we walk: Sitting.

Taking a seat is such a mundane action, one that we seem to just do without stopping to think of why. And while humans have sat on the ground since the very beginning, we found evidence dating as far back as the Neolithic period suggesting that human beings decided to start elevating themselves above the ground. Because of this desire to park it on something other than the floor, the evolution of the chair has been a remarkable journey showcasing human creativity, ingenuity and adaptability, from the simple stone “seats” discovered in Neolithic dwellings to the iconic Eames Lounge Chair still popular today. – Read More –

No one really knows why they enjoy the things that they do. We are drawn to particular objects and places and rarely stop to consider what’s behind that pull. Our surrounding environments and the elements within them can dramatically affect moods and feelings, but just what is it about them that prompts action or influences our emotions? In the creative realm, interior designers are aware of the power behind three essential design elements: color, texture and pattern. Interior designers use these elements intentionally in varied ways throughout every space, always keeping the concept and goals of the project in mind, and these three components are often largely responsible for a person’s gut reaction when stepping into a room.

Have you noticed more and more living walls and vertical gardens popping up in your city? While some interior design trends come and go in the blink of an eye (remember when Pinterest was awash in herringbone?), Design Institute of San Diego expects interior landscape design to be a sustainability trend with staying power, since these plant features can bring health benefits as well as an intriguing focal point. Although designers and architects have been incorporating plants into their spaces for decades, as the desire to “go green” has gone mainstream, clients are increasingly interested in design features that put their green credentials on display. Or the chef at the new restaurant on the block may opt to grow his or her own herbs within the restaurant walls, supporting the local movement. Interior designers may also choose to bring a landscape architect onto the team to design a vertical garden in their client’s lobby. However it’s implemented, interior landscape design is catching on in a very big way and its benefits are plentiful. – Read More –

“I’m just so lucky – my office is a racetrack. That is something I’m very thankful for. It’s exciting, and it’s challenging, and there are a lot of emotions and nerves that come with it, but right there before the gates open, before that minute and a half or two minutes of the race, it just hits you.” -Chantal Sutherland, jockey in North American Thoroughbred horse racing

The invigorating smell of freshly cut turf, the low roar of the eager crowd, the endless entertainment of watching people sporting high fashion and possibly a hat – all fall to the background once the jockeys are lined up on their trusty mounts at the starting gate. For a moment, silence envelopes the racetrack. And then “they are off”, as the heart-pounding excitement erupts again and it’s a race to the finish. Welcome to the world of thoroughbred horseracing.

The relationship between a horse and rider is truly a special bond and while many look to the jockeys as the star athletes, their equine co-stars are essential in bringing home the glory. A great amount of energy goes into caring for these race horses, and the efficient design of their stables and the racetracks take into consideration the behaviors and needs of these four-legged racers as well as the spectators cheering them on all the way to the finish line. Design Institute of San Diego turns the spotlight on some notable racetracks and stables and delves into the fascinating world of equine design. – Read More –

Summer is here and many of our Design Institute of San Diego students are on break. San Diego offers beautiful weather and breathtaking locations to get away while staying in the area. This post is dedicated to our hard-working interior design students relishing a well-deserved summer break. Let us inspire you to discover the perfect San Diego staycation during this gorgeous season.– Read More –

Graduation is here and many interior design students are prepping their portfolios for the big interview right around the corner. Design Institute of San Diego took a look at some of the strongest portfolios our students have created over the past several years. This post is designed to inspire, motivate, and provide some of the most creative strategies in designing a killer interior design portfolio that will leave a lasting impression upon your viewers.– Read More –

Quick sketching has been one of the most valuable tools in design development for hundreds of years. Design Institute of San Diego’s quick sketching class taught by Ann Parker gives its students the opportunity to develop and communicate ideas and concepts by utilizing quick freehand sketch styles. Rapid visualization and perspective drawing techniques are key elements in communicating ideas with clients in the real world of interior design. The below examples (done by our very own interior design students and instructor Ann Parker) exemplify not only the communication of ideas, but also the progression and development of various design decisions.

Spring is transforming our landscapes into flourishing environments full of new life. Landscape design around the globe is enhanced with beauty while fresh springs and waterfalls flow freely. Design Institute of San Diego decided to take a short recess from interior design and acknowledge the beauty in which we live. This blog post is a tribute to the spring season and a reminder that the landscape around us provides breathtaking inspiration. Allow the images in this post to take you around the world and give you the opportunity to revitalize and refresh.